It is appreciated all over the engineering field that "welding" has been one of the essential key-technologies in the manufacturing process. In the middle of 19th century, arc welding technique was firstly invented, and main welding process passed from gas to arc welding. From the end of 19th century, steels became one of the main industrial materials and lots of steel structures had been made. In the fabrication of the steel structures, "welding technique" had been more and more basic and essential. In particular, the development in Japan during the last 50 years in the welding engineering is spectacular. On the other hand, in the end of 20th century, the shift of the leading industry in the economy system from the heavy industries to light and information controlling industries can be seen. Although welding technique must still be one of the key-process of the manufacturing process in the years ahead, there is a little misgivings problem for the continuation of welding engineering. At the present stage we have to cast about in our mind for a good plan on the future research system according to the new economy age. The present report is, at first, reviewing the current situation of the conditions of industries and welding engineering in the manufacturing in mainly Japan, and then discussed on the possible tendency of the research and technology in the immediate future.
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